CM Mamata Banerjee felicitates 95 Indian fishermen released by Bangladesh

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met and honoured 95 fishermen on Monday who had been detained in Bangladesh for over two months after inadvertently crossing into Bangladeshi waters. She also announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the family of another fisherman who died during the detainment process.

On Sunday, India and Bangladesh conducted a mutual exchange of fishermen who had crossed their international maritime borders. Bangladesh released 95 Indian fishermen, while India freed 90 Bangladeshi fishermen. The exchange was overseen by coast guard and administrative officials from both countries.

The Union Ministry of External Affairs stated that several Indian fishermen were detained by Bangladesh in recent months after unintentionally crossing the maritime border. Indian authorities had also apprehended Bangladeshi fishermen in similar circumstances.

The Indian government worked diligently to secure the release of the detained fishermen, leading to the reciprocal repatriation of fishermen from both sides.

The rescued Indian fishermen were brought to Ganga Sagar in South 24 Parganas, where CM Banerjee met them on Monday. She emphasised the West Bengal government’s proactive role in alerting the Centre and making concerted efforts to bring the fishermen back home.

“We tracked them through identity cards that we have given to every fisherman in West Bengal. Our administration found out they have been detained in Bangladesh,” the chief minister said.  

CM Banerjee also wondered if the fishermen were physically assaulted during their stay in the neighbouring country after seeing some of them struggling to walk. She asked the South 24 Parganas DM and other district officials to ensure their proper treatment.

About the Bangladeshi fishermen who were in West Bengal, she said, “We extended utmost care to the Bangladeshi fishermen. Many of them were unwell, and we provided them with the necessary treatment. It was essential for us to uphold the reputation of India and West Bengal.”

Meanwhile, the chief minister, who was in Sagar Island to inspect the preparation for the upcoming Ganga Sagar Mela (fair) said that her government plans to build a bridge over the Muri Ganga River.

“Once the bridge is completed, people will be able to drive straight to the mela. I asked the Centre to build it. But now it will be constructed by the state government,” CM Banerjee said.

She also expressed disappointment that her proposal to grant national status to the Ganga Sagar Mela had been ignored. “The Centre provides thousands of crores to Kumbha Mela but nothing to Ganga Sagar. We respect Kumbha but Ganga Sagar is nothing less.”